A Will and A Race-Way for His Dream

Brandi | June 12, 2012

Tom Gislason, center from Fox Creek placed 3rd in his first feature race at the Edmonton International Raceway. First was Ian Wilson (right) and second place, Kelly Adamer (left). Photo submitted.

Tom Gislason, best known as ‘Safety Tom from Get Safe Training Services’, is living his dream to race. He recently placed third place on the podium in his first feature race of the season.

He also placed sixth in the first heat and fifth in the second. Currently he is in eighth place among 9 cars competing and sixth in the NASCAR point standings.

Tom is racing in the Late Super Stock Model Class series at the Edmonton International Raceway by Wetaskiwin. His blue #11 Monte Carlo car (seen in the background of the photo above), 355 engine, 425 horsepower and racing used tires, competed against first place racer Ian Wilson from Falun and second place, Kelly Adamer from Edmonton on May 19.

Last year was Tom’s first year back racing from a 30 year absence.

“Each time, each race, I am learning how the track works,” explained 65 year old Tom. “I am out there to have fun. I don’t care if I place.”

He loves to race because it is ‘the legal way to speed’ and he tries to continuously ‘better himself.’

However, Tom’s knees are aching and he’s not sure how long his body will allow him to continue racing. It is also an expensive hobby. Tom is the second oldest in the lineup of races. Another racer is 72 years old.

His next race is this Sat. June 16. Tom is not the only one from Fox Creek racing, 11 year old Patrick Labrash is living his dream. See flashback in Focus story: http://foxinfocus.ca/2011/06/14/highly-motivated-young-nascar-racer/.

For more information, you can checkout the raceway’s website: http://www.edmontonraceway.com/.

Tom’s message, “Regardless of your age, it is never too late to follow your dreams, costs and time commitment come secondary to reaching them.”

When not instructing safety courses or attending meetings, as a Town Councillor, Tom can be found working on his race car and competing in events.

Do you have a dream you are living out loud? Care to share your story with Fox in FOCUS, we would love to hear from you, contact us using the easy contact tab on the top left side of the page or call, 780-622-7000.